Thread: first razor for poor college student

Hello all, first I would like to say it looks like you have a fairly nice little community on here and I am glad for a chance to be a part of it.

I became interested in using a strait razor when I got tired of spending so much money on disposable razors that never seem to stay sharp long and always run out when I am trying to balance my budget between rent and food(i.e. most of the time). I also am fed up with the lousy condition these multiple blade cartridges leave my only face in, and the gunk that invariably gets collected inside the tiny crevices. Seems simple is often better and I just love the idea of shaving and scraping the dead skin OFF my face as opposed to collecting it in my razor. So I am determined to wield the strait razor once I am proficient with it.

My only difficulty lies in the fact that I have an extremely limited budget while I am in school and though I do not mind spending $50-$75 on a blade if I no longer have to buy cartridges, I simply could not do this more then once and still be able to feed myself. Unlike many guys, I actually do not have a very thick beard so its not like I need some kind of heavy duty equipment to get the job done. I understand other things like a strop and grindstone may also be required, but once again initial investments are not a bad thing as long as the money is properly spent.

Naturally I like the DOVO "Best Quality" Straight Razor, 4/8 here:
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/219362.htm
for its price. I would prefer to avoid the cheaper disposable "Shavette"

So to conclude this long post, what is a good, low cost blade to start with? Kits would be nice as well.

Thank you for your time,
Joel

Welcome Joel. Where are you at? What state are you in?

Hi Joel,
Well, value for money, I think (IMHO) that your best bet would be a starter kit from Tony Miller (www.thewellshavedgentleman.com). He has complete kits for far less than it would cost to put together yourself (plus, you get a Tony Miller strop!).

Your other option would be to troll the Buy/Sell/Trade forum for an inexpensive razor (always being shave ready!). I know some just came up for sale in the 30$ to 50$ range and I expect more will come down the pipe shortly.

For the first few months, all you will need is a razor and a stop. A hone can wait, or you can personal message (PM) one of our fine honemeisters and have them do it for you about 3-4 times a year.

Hope this helps, and welcome.

Mark

Thank you for the quick reply, it seems I am not the only one ditching these multibladed face-graters for a more time-tested method. Tony Miller seems to be out of stock for all of his kits, but they appear to include the same razor I was considering from ClassicShaving.com (DOVO "Best Quality" Straight Razor, 4/8). Is this a good place for "shave ready" razors?

If all I need to get started is the blade and strop, I wouldn't mind skipping the kit as I really don't have a very thick beard. I've got some shaving soap already and I am sure I could find a brush locally.

Yup, all you need is a razor and a strop. 4/8 is a little small though - most would say 5/8 or 6/8 is what you'd want to start with - something as small as 4/8 is usually considered a razor used to cut in around beards, goatees, etc.

There's a nice 5/8 in the b/s/t right now for $50 that's "reserved" for newbies looking for their first straight...may be a good place to start, along with one of Tony's "starter strops". Probaby the cheapest way to get up and running.

Markl

Shoot me a PM with your name and address and I'll send you out a razor. Then all you have to buy is a strop. When you get some money and want to buy a better razor, pass this one on to another new guy in need.

Have fun,

Lynn

Lynn, you're a gentleman and a scholar!

Seriously, this forum never ceases to amaze me with their generosity for newbies.

Well, there you have it, Joel - a razor from the honemeister himself! Congrats!

Mark

I will let my friends know about this place if any of them show interest. You all have been very helpful with the information I am very thankful to everyone who replied. And a huge thanks to you Lynn. Medina is near Cleveland, right? I may actually be in your neighborhood this summer visiting a friend who lives there.

Originally Posted by adjustme69

Shoot me a PM with your name and address and I'll send you out a razor. Then all you have to buy is a strop. When you get some money and want to buy a better razor, pass this one on to another new guy in need.

Have fun,

Lynn

SRP the place to be

Originally Posted by adjustme69

Shoot me a PM with your name and address and I'll send you out a razor. Then all you have to buy is a strop. When you get some money and want to buy a better razor, pass this one on to another new guy in need.

Have fun,

Lynn

Add my kudos to Lynn's generous support of this young guy! That is a fantastic gesture you did there for him.